The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17, being more expensive, likely offers higher performance suitable for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and demanding engineering applications, but its larger size reduces portability compared to the Dell XPS 13, which is a more compact and generally less expensive option ideal for everyday use, travel, and lighter workloads. The Dell XPS 13 may also have longer battery life, making it better for on-the-go use, while the Zenbook's larger screen and potential for more advanced hardware may be more appealing for intensive tasks, but will likely result in shorter battery life. Choose the Zenbook Pro 17 for high-end tasks and don't mind less portability, or the XPS 13 for general use with greater portability and cost savings. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for content creation
Advantages of the Dell XPS 13
Very good overall build quality
Excellent portability
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.3/10
7.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
400.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
442.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
6.7/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
7.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 is very good for general use, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 excels in general use thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen CPU and ample RAM, complemented by a high-quality large screen, although it's less portable and has shorter battery life compared to the Dell XPS 13, which offers great portability with its compact size and longer battery life, but has a less powerful Intel CPU and less RAM, making it slightly less suited for very demanding tasks. Both laptops offer high screen quality, with the Zenbook's larger display being ideal for extensive viewing, while the XPS 13 provides higher portability due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
Gaming and AI
6.9/10
6.2/10
5.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 is somewhat better.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 is equipped with a dedicated Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU which outperforms the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics in the Dell XPS 13, making the ASUS more suitable for gaming and 3D tasks. Both laptops have similar screen refresh rates, but the superior GPU of the ASUS gives it the edge for these specific applications, although both are limited to standard refresh rates rather than high refresh options found in dedicated gaming systems.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.2/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
5.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
8.2/10
7.7/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 is very good for content creation, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Screen Quality
7.2/10
7.2/10
17.3in
SIZE
13.4in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
400.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
442.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for software development, and content creation.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and Dell XPS 13 have screens with high resolution and brightness, making them clear and easy to view for everyday tasks like browsing and watching videos, which is essential for general use. For engineering and design, both laptops offer displays with wide color gamuts, ensuring accurate color representation necessary for professional creative work. However, their screens fall short for gaming and 3D applications as they have lower refresh rates, which means less fluid motion and potential screen lag compared to displays designed specifically for these high-intensity visual tasks.
Portability
Good
Excellent
17.3in
SIZE
13.4in
5.1 lbs
WEIGHT
2.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.2/10
8.5/10
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,500
$850
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has a price of $1,500 and the Dell XPS 13 costs $850.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and Dell XPS 13 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Battery
9.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has 9 hours of battery life. The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
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How the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and the Dell XPS 13 compare to other laptops
"In the past, the XPS 13 was a hands-down contender for the best laptop on the market. But the Apple-silicon MacBook has since barrelled onto the scene, and it wipes the floor with most of the ultraportable Windows laptops that cross my desk on a daily basis. This XPS is no exception. Compared to the M2 MacBook Air, battery life is worse."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 or the Dell XPS 13
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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